In the Stellantis luxury center, the French brand DS (in addition to the very Italian Lancia) has the ambition to compete at the top. And immediately after presenting the flagship DS 9, it relaunches in the medium-compact segment with the DS 4. A sedan-coupé that does not go unnoticed and also winks at premium crossovers customers. Beautiful and technological, with its 4.4 meters in length by 1.83 in width and 1.47 in height, it presents an important challenge.
“We enter this market – explains the head of DS Italia, Eugenio Franzetti – not to imitate others, but to enhance diversity. We know we have to offer exceptional products, artisanal refinement, the best of French savoir faire as in fashion, and then dedicated services. Of course also cutting-edge technologies, which in the group make their debut on our cars before those of other brands “. A challenging but prestigious mix.
The front of the DS 4 enhances the new light signature, with subtle Matrix Led headlamps and daytime running lights made up of two lateral lines of LEDs. The large three-dimensional grille and long hood lend a dynamic look to the silhouette. The door handles are retractable, the roof drops to the rear, joining the sloping rear window. A sophisticated and also quite daring design.
The car reveals three different souls: at the center of the range is the more elegant DS 4 rich in chrome notes. The Cross offers the visual perception of a true crossover, with protection on the underside of the bumpers and on the roof with glossy black bars. On request, the Advanced Traction Control function (sand, snow and mud mode and Hill Assist Descent Control). The third version, Performance Line, is the most dynamic and features exteriors finished in black with the Black Pack, Minneapolis wheels and an exclusive interior. The set-ups also characterize the three vocations, each with a specific design: they are Business, Trocadero and Rivoli in addition to the limited launch edition La Première.
The interiors are very neat, with Nappa leather, full-grain leather, Alcantara and technical fabrics. The dashboard is minimal-cool, with a few buttons in sight and carbon inserts.
In the range, thermal engines or the 225 HP plug-in Hybrid E-Tense. Two petrol options, PureTech 130 HP Automatic and 180 HP Automatic and a Diesel, BlueHDi 130 HP Automatic with average consumption of 5.9 liters per 100 km for petrol engines and 4.8 liters for Diesel, compared to CO2 emissions of 135 and 125 g / Km.
The 225hp E-Tense plug-in hybrid version is obviously the top and is based on the experiences of Formula E. It combines a 180hp PureTech 4-cylinder engine with a 110hp electric with a 12.4kWh battery that allows up to to 55 km of autonomy with zero emissions. The torque of 360 Nm allows you to reach 100 km / h in 7.7 seconds, consumption is 1.3 liters per 100 km. All DS 4s have automatic transmission.
Connectivity as standard from the Trocadero central equipment and safety in the foreground. The Extended Head Up Display, using augmented reality, projects directly onto the road at a distance of 4 meters all the information essential for driving and info-navigation controlled by the 10-inch touch screen which incorporates the ergonomics of a smartphone. A voice and gesture recognition system integrates the personal assistant.
The DS 4 offers Drive Assist, a level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with speed adjustment based on traffic and the ability to stop and restart in traffic jams in fully automatic mode. Lane keeping is also autonomous, and three new features will arrive early next year: semi-automatic overtaking, cornering speed adjustment and speed advance recommended by road signs. In addition, the Night Vision with infrared camera detects the presence of pedestrians and animals up to 200 meters away at night and in low light.
Already orderable, the new DS will arrive in dealerships in October. Prices start at € 30,250 for the Business PureTech 130 Automatic version and reach € 48,750 for the top of the range E-Tense Cross Rivoli, but for the launch the DS 4 Business BlueHDi 130 Automatic (complete equipment) is on the list for € 29,500. Financing and rental offers are foreseen at 199 and 299 euros per month.
